Given the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War has recently taken place, I wondered whether there was much evidence of the early impact of the war in the Lundin Links and Largo area. So far I have unearthed only a few minor references to early signs that life was changing. The earliest comment on the locality that I found in the newspaper archives was the cancellation of a golf tournament (Evening Telegraph, 19 August 1914)....
"The announcement that the foursome championship has been indefinitely postponed will hardly create surprise among Scottish golfers....the duty of safeguarding the interests of Britain comes first, the playtime will come later. Still there will be regret mingled with the patriotic feeling that the competition at Lundin Links will not likely be included among the golfing fixtures of 1914. A number of linksmen had fixed their holidays to synchronise with the foursome carnival. And many of these golfers have offered their services to the country in her hour of need. The Lundin Club, it may be stated, has voted a contribution of 25 guineas to the Prince of Wales' National Relief Fund."
Fund-raising activity began as soon as war had been declared. A 'National Relief Fund' was set up with Edward, Prince of Wales as treasurer, to help the families of men serving. In a message in national newspapers, he said: " At such a moment we all stand by one another, and it is to the heart of the British people that I confidently make this earnest appeal." Within a week, donations to the fund had reached £1 million. The newspapers show that Lundin Links and Largo were included in lists of places which had contributed towards other causes such as 'Belgian Flag Day' and the Red Cross. Belgian refugees were the subject of a very early flag day. Charity work and volunteering would become a key feature of the war everywhere, and Lundin Links and Largo were no exception - more to come on that in future posts.
Another noticeable feature in the 1914 newspapers was the printing of lists of men who had been recruited to support the war. The Courier of 7 September published one early list, which included a local man, preceded with the words:
"Lord Kitchener's appeal for recruits to his army is ringing throughout Britain. The young manhood of this land have been aroused to a full sense of their responsibility. The War Secretary's call touches the heart. Scotsmen are rallying around Kitchener's banner....hurrying to drill at the depots. The good wishes of all follow them. But more are needed yet. A further honour list is published below."
Among the many names then listed was: Frank Edwards, 10 Rossini Place, Lundin Links to Seaforths
No doubt everyone kept a close watch on the newspapers, some of which produced special 'war editions'.
"The announcement that the foursome championship has been indefinitely postponed will hardly create surprise among Scottish golfers....the duty of safeguarding the interests of Britain comes first, the playtime will come later. Still there will be regret mingled with the patriotic feeling that the competition at Lundin Links will not likely be included among the golfing fixtures of 1914. A number of linksmen had fixed their holidays to synchronise with the foursome carnival. And many of these golfers have offered their services to the country in her hour of need. The Lundin Club, it may be stated, has voted a contribution of 25 guineas to the Prince of Wales' National Relief Fund."
Fund-raising activity began as soon as war had been declared. A 'National Relief Fund' was set up with Edward, Prince of Wales as treasurer, to help the families of men serving. In a message in national newspapers, he said: " At such a moment we all stand by one another, and it is to the heart of the British people that I confidently make this earnest appeal." Within a week, donations to the fund had reached £1 million. The newspapers show that Lundin Links and Largo were included in lists of places which had contributed towards other causes such as 'Belgian Flag Day' and the Red Cross. Belgian refugees were the subject of a very early flag day. Charity work and volunteering would become a key feature of the war everywhere, and Lundin Links and Largo were no exception - more to come on that in future posts.
Another noticeable feature in the 1914 newspapers was the printing of lists of men who had been recruited to support the war. The Courier of 7 September published one early list, which included a local man, preceded with the words:
"Lord Kitchener's appeal for recruits to his army is ringing throughout Britain. The young manhood of this land have been aroused to a full sense of their responsibility. The War Secretary's call touches the heart. Scotsmen are rallying around Kitchener's banner....hurrying to drill at the depots. The good wishes of all follow them. But more are needed yet. A further honour list is published below."
Among the many names then listed was: Frank Edwards, 10 Rossini Place, Lundin Links to Seaforths
No doubt everyone kept a close watch on the newspapers, some of which produced special 'war editions'.
The 1st Highland Cyclists Battalion had a company stationed at Lundin Links early on to perform coastal guard duty. They rented the Lundin Ladies Golf Clubhouse as a reading and recreation room. The Ladies Club had, before the war, made plans to expand the course from 9 to 18 holes. However, the additional land was now required for agriculture and, after war had ended, it was decided to remain a 9 hole course. If you anything about life in the Largo area during the First World War, please get in touch - this is a topic that I will return to.
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